Scheme to scan and ban patrons

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IDENTIFICATION scanners will be mandatory at licensed venues in the Mackay CBD that operate after midnight.

With the use of these scanners, those issued with a ban order by police could be shut out of every licensed venue in the state within Safe Night Precincts.

Police will have the power to ban patrons from certain clubs while other SNP venues can deny entry to 'banned' patrons at their discretion.

This initiative is part of the Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Act 2014, which came into effect on October 1.

Movidas Nightclub, The Rabbit Hole and Dirty Martinis have been using this system since opening in 2012.

By July 1 next year, these networked identification scanners will be in use all over the

Mackay CBD.

Burp and The Dispensary owner Adrian Connors isn't happy. He could have to pay significant costs to have the scanners installed or change his closing times.

These new laws are part of the State Government's proactive strategies to ensure entertainment precincts such as the Mackay CBD and Airlie Beach city strip are safe for all.

The scanners will be linked to a third party operator, which will be an external database, an office of Liquor and Gaming regulation spokeswoman said.

Barlink chairman Mark Laffin said it was unfortunate that these measures were necessary, but they helped in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

"We can monitor who comes and goes in our venues with them," Mr Laffin said. "I think it creates a safe environment for people to drink in."

However, Mr Connors believed the new regulations had come into effect with minimal consultation.

The scanners could turn people away from the CBD and push any anti-social issues to suburban venues not required to have a scanner, Mr Connors said.

Licensees outside the Safe Night Precincts aren't required to have an ID scanner, but there was scope for the Commissioner for Liquor and Gaming to order these venues to use scanners where appropriate.